Book Review: Circling The Sun by Paula McLain

I hope you're having a wonderful Labor Day weekend! Hopefully we are still out backpacking (I did this post a bit early last week) or maybe we're just sleeping in and cuddling with the kitties! I'm always equally happy for the long weekend and a bit sad because the next Holiday weekend that we will have isn't until November for Thanksgiving (so far away)! What's your favorite Labor Day tradition?!?

I recently read Circling The Sun by Paula McLain and breezed through it (aka read it in maybe 2.5 weeks?!?). This is my third book by McLain and I'm so in love with her writing style.

She chooses such strong female characters and adventurous storylines. I always see a bit of myself in her main character (Beryl, in this particular book) and wish that I had the opportunity to live in the early 20th century. It seems (to me anyways) like such a unique time period with their lifestyle/ discovering new inventions/ clothing and this book was no exception!

Beryl's story revolves around living in Nairobi and growing up with only her father as her main role model. McLain blends Beryls' feelings about her father and her separation from her mother so well throughout the entire storyline. She also experiences many bumps in the road and takes chances on things that I didn't see coming a few chapters earlier. When things seem like they couldn't go any worse for Beryl, she finds a way to rise above it and becomes stronger in the end. 

I love how unpredictable this story was and how I felt like I lived through it all with Beryl. McLain mixes in some love stories along with the independence that Beryl showcases and it kept me on the edge of my seat (..or well actually kept me up later at night reading in bed ; ) ...) until the last page!

Ever read any historical fiction books?

Who's your favorite author? 

Favorite tradition for Labor Day?